Saturday, June 30, 2012

From "Dodgers' Matt Kemp to return July 13" by Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times:

Matt Kemp said Saturday that he intends to return to the Dodgers lineup July 13 against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, the first game after the All-Star break.

"I'll be ready," Kemp said.

Kemp has played in only two of the Dodgers' last 45 games because of a strained left hamstring.

He is planning to go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment in the coming week. The assignment could start as early as Tuesday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. He is expecting to miss the All-Star gamebut will take part in the Home Run Derby on July 9.

"I'm doing it," Kemp said of the derby.

Bullpen catcher Rob Flippo will pitch to Kemp in the home run-hitting exhibition, in which Kemp will captain the National League team.

Kemp is expected to take part in a team workout at Dodger Stadium on July 12, the final day of the All-Star break.

Welcome to the longest two weeks of the season. How many games out of first will the Dodgers be on July 13?